I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. The Deputy will recognise that I am taking this on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Calleary, and I hope she will recognise that I cannot answer on a specific individual. It is not because it is not important. It is. It is absolutely crucial and I would never say in response that it is tough. However, it is a specific case and will have to be dealt with in that way. The only answer I can provide is more generalised. However, if the Deputy would like me to speak to the Minister, I would be happy to do so. To come back to the supplementary welfare allowance scheme, as the Deputy said, it is the scheme of last resort, the safety net in the overall social welfare system. It provides assistance to eligible people in the State whose means are insufficient to meet their needs and those of their dependents. Supports under the scheme can include a basic weekly payment, rent supplement, other weekly or monthly supplements in respect of certain expenses or additional needs payments. The basic supplementary welfare allowance provides immediate assistance for those in need who are awaiting the outcome of a claim or an appeal for a primary social welfare payment or who do not qualify for a payment under other State schemes. Basic supplementary welfare allowance is paid at rates up to €242 per week with increases for adult and child dependents. Currently, there are approximately 11,000 recipients of the payment. Rent supplement provides short-term income support to eligible people living in private rented accommodation whose means are insufficient to meet their accommodation costs and who do not have accommodation available to them from any other source. There are approximately 6,600 recipients of this supplement. An additional ongoing supplement may also be provided to help with ongoing needs, including for heat, travel and other ongoing costs. The Department of Social Protection may also make additional needs payments to help to meet essential expenses people cannot pay from their weekly income or other personal and household resources. This payment is available to anyone who needs it and qualifies for it, whether that person is currently receiving a social welfare payment or working with a low income. Approximately, 83,000 additional needs payment were issued in 2024. Payments are made at the discretion of the officers administering the scheme, taking into account the requirements of the legislation. The community welfare service in the Department administers the supplementary welfare allowance schemes and can enable a flexible approach to meet the income needs of vulnerable individuals and families. The community welfare service is committed to providing a quality service to all citizens, ensuring applications are processed and decisions on entitlement are made as quickly as possible. Where a person has an urgent or immediate need, every effort is made to ensure the claim is processed on the same day. Community welfare officers are very experienced and can generally assess when a case is so urgent that it requires an immediate response.

Sentiment score: 0.19

I thank the Deputy, and I can hear that this is an issue of real concern for her and the people involved. I thank her for raising the matter. I wish to assure the Deputy that the supplementary welfare allowance scheme is kept under review. The issue is to ensure it continues to support those most in need of assistance. The delivery of crucial community welfare services to meet the challenges and needs of citizens across the country remains a priority for the Minister, Deputy Calleary, and his Department. As I said, I will bring this specific issue to his attention because it is important that the community welfare service remains an accessible, flexible and responsive service to meet the varied needs of vulnerable people, particularly in a time of crisis or emergency. I think that is what the Deputy is speaking of here this evening. The Department of Social Protection is committed to a community welfare service that remains flexible to meet the varied needs of vulnerable people and the current availability of local access to a community welfare officer is a key feature of the service. Community welfare officers are available at over 50 Intreo centres nationwide. Consultations with community welfare officers can be arranged via phone or at their offices or a direct home visit can be facilitated depending on the customer's needs. As I have already mentioned, the scheme is there to provide immediate and flexible assistance to those in need. Officers within the service are very experienced in assessing the needs of each applicant and providing the relevant payment for their specific needs. Any person who considers he or she may have an entitlement to supplementary welfare allowance is encouraged to contact their local community welfare service. There is a national community welfare contact centre in place. I have the phone number here, but it is easy to find, and that will direct callers to the appropriate office. It is 0818 607 080. If the Deputy has any particular cases, the Minister, Deputy Calleary, invites her to share those details with his office.

Sentiment score: 0.20

I thank Deputy Kelly, and I am happy to respond on behalf of the Minister. I am sure the Deputy, as a former Minister, will know the calls on Ministers and in some cases they cannot be here. In that context, I am happy to be here. What the Deputy said is right. Biomethane will play a crucial role in Ireland reaching its decarbonisation targets and security of energy supply, and Ireland is uniquely positioned to develop a sustainable biomethane sector due to the nature of the agricultural sector in our country. I know the Deputy recognises that. Government has committed to deliver up to 5.7 TWh of indigenously produced biomethane per annum by 2030. The national biomethane strategy is Ireland’s first major policy statement on biomethane and is an important milestone in the development of this indigenous sector. The strategy sets out 25 actions to be delivered in the coming years to enable the development of the sector. Along with providing supports and policy certainty, these actions aim to improve the development timelines and economics of projects in order to meet the 5.7 TWh target by 2030. Delivery of this ambitious target will require the development of a significant number of anaerobic digester, AD, plants throughout the country. Biomethane within our energy system will have multiple cross-sectoral benefits. Biomethane can replace natural gas in various sectors, reducing the need for imported fossil fuels, and I think the Deputy will agree that is an important objective. Biomethane is a carbon-neutral fuel, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Biomethane production offers a sustainable way to manage organic waste, another crucial issue for Ireland. The development of biomethane industry can create jobs and stimulate the rural economy, and having an indigenous source of renewable gas improves energy security. While ADs used to produce biogas and biomethane can bring significant benefits to the communities and local environment in which they are located, they are, as the Deputy rightly said, significant infrastructure that will impact on the environment, biospheres and local communities. The Government recognises the urgent need for the introduction of planning guidelines for suitable locations for biomethane plants. Priority deliverables under the national biomethane strategy include actions 5F and 5G which will see the development of planning guidelines to support local authorities when assessing AD plants with planning applications and a review of resourcing requirements of key Government agencies to support development of the industry. We need a clear understanding of AD technology and consistency of approach by our planning authorities when they are assessing AD projects to improve our planning and permitting processes. These guidelines of which the Deputy spoke will be developed by the biomethane implementation group, chaired by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and in close collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Teagasc and the SEAI.

Sentiment score: 0.40

Ireland is recognised as having one of the greatest potentials for biomethane in Europe per capita due to our substantial agricultural sector. The Government's target of producing 5.7 TWh of indigenous biomethane by 2030, which is a little over 10% of our current natural gas use, will remain a Government commitment. The Deputy will know that an Irish anaerobic digestion and methane sector will bring highly significant benefits to the Irish economy, to our energy security and climate targets. The Deputy asked for a timeline. I cannot give a timeline, I do not have it here, but I did say already that guidelines are being developed by the biomethane implementation group. I can certainly pass on the Deputy's request to the relevant Minister. The Deputy also mentioned about the type of waste. By using sustainably produced feedstocks, including grass silage, animal slurries and food waste resources, we will increase our circular bioeconomy, helping to build resilience in our local biological resources and environment. It is recognised that these AD plants are significant infrastructure and, as the Deputy quite rightly said, require a full planning and permitting process to ensure consideration of a range of factors, many of which he mentioned. These include location, visual impact, land zoning plans, ecology, and the Deputy mentioned the economies, etc. As such, a key priority is the development of centralised planning guidelines for AD plants to support our local authorities. When finalised, these will be available on the biomethane information hub. As I said, I do not have a timeframe but I will certainly pass on the request to the Minister.

Sentiment score: 0.28

I thank the Deputies for raising the issue. I had a positive meeting yesterday with representatives of Tipperary ETB. I was encouraged to hear about the good work ongoing. We had a good conversation and agreed that there are challenges. We are trying to work to manage those challenges in the best way possible. To come to the issue raised by the Deputies, ETBs, as they know, support community-based groups by providing funding for intervention projects that provide a range of learner-centred training and related services. These initiatives aim to assist individuals or groups experiencing exclusion and labour market disadvantage to either enter or re-enter the labour market. As both Deputies said, these are important initiatives. Local training initiatives, LTIs, are one example of this kind of initiative. However, LTIs, by their nature, are temporary and often high-cost initiatives designed to meet specific community needs. As the State agency responsible for the further education and training sector, SOLAS allocates funding to 16 ETBs and other agencies to deliver further education and training, FET, programmes. Each ETB must prioritise and manage delivery of further education and training programmes strictly within its allocated budget. SOLAS has provided an allocation of €35.5 million to Tipperary ETB for 2025. This is an increase of nearly 22% of funding provided since 2020. This funding supports over 9,600 learner enrolments in FET. Activities funded range from post leaving certificate, PLC, courses, to Youthreach, apprenticeships, reskilling and upskilling courses, and adult literacy courses, including English language tuition. Tipperary ETB has advised my officials that a comprehensive review of all FET provision was undertaken to ensure alignment with the available budget. Further to this review, Tipperary ETB has advised it has made the difficult decision not to continue funding several LTIs. This decision affects four LTIs located in Littleton, Cahir, Cashel and Tipperary town. These LTIs are funded on an annual basis and subject to a business review. Tipperary ETB has met with all four LTIs in question and informed them of the funding position for the remainder of 2025. It is now a matter for the each LTI board to consider its options. Tipperary ETB informed my Department that no current learners were impacted as all have completed their programmes. The impact is on the availability of places for new learners for the remainder of 2025. I am not minimising the effect, but am telling the Deputies what the situation is. I hope the Deputies will appreciate that the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has no role in the day-to-day operational management of ETB boards, which are independent statutory bodies. In line with its functions set out in the Act of 2013, it is the responsibility of each board to plan and deliver services throughout the year, subject to its available budget and local needs. Tipperary ETB has advised the Department's officials that due to the high costs and low learner numbers associated with delivering these four LTI programmes, it has taken the difficult decision not to renew funding for 2025, while it assesses priorities and community needs in line with available funding.

Sentiment score: 0.14

I fully recognise the value of these courses. To be clear, what Tipperary ETB informed my Department is that no current learners are impacted as they have completed their programmes. However, Deputy Mattie McGrath was right to say that the impact is on the availability of places for new learners for the remainder of 2025. The Deputy was quite right to say that. My Department is committed to supporting a FET system that helps individuals succeed, boosts economic growth and prepares our workforce for the challenges and opportunities ahead. This commitment is underpinned by a significant investment of over €1 billion in 2025. While the FET system is demand-driven, ETBs must operate within their allocated budgets. As I outlined in my opening remarks, planning and delivery of services by ETBs is rightly a matter for each individual board, taking into account its allocated budgets and the specific needs of its local community. The Deputies would agree that it would be neither practical nor appropriate for a Minister of State to become involved in the day-to-day operational decisions of these autonomous bodies. However, I recognise what the Deputies are saying. As I said, I had a great meeting yesterday with representatives of Tipperary ETB. I see the valuable and important work they are doing. However, the ETB has made the decision at this point within the resources that have been allocated to it. That is its responsibility. However, I hear what the Deputies are saying. I thank them for their intervention and for highlighting these important courses and their value and impact on people's lives.

Sentiment score: 0.27

I thank the Deputies. I can hear that both of them are greatly concerned about what has happened. Regarding the length of time the pool has been out of action, significant mechanical and electrical issues have been identified at the Ferryhouse pool and sports complex. The pool was closed due to a failure of the electrical periodic testing in response to a notification of hazard issued by the electrical contractor on 20 February 2025. On receipt of this information about a significant issue with the pool, it needed to be drained and, unfortunately, will remain closed until further notice. Turning to the reopening of Ferryhouse swimming pool, Tusla commissioned a mechanical and electrical consultant to carry out further investigations, which saw significant mechanical and electrical issues identified during an assessment. Regrettably, due to these issues, the mechanical and electrical plant serving the pool and sports complex has been deemed to be at end of life and unsafe for continued use. Tusla received an initial cost report at the end of June from the mechanical and electrical consultant, which includes an estimate of the associated costs for mechanical and electrical works only. Tusla has since requested a detailed breakdown and prioritisation of the works required. Tusla fully understands and regrets, as does the Minister, the closure of the facility to members of the public. However, at this point in time and awaiting more details on costs involved, Tusla is not in a position to provide further information regarding the future of the complex. The delay in resolving this matter is primarily due to the complexity of the sports and pool facilities at the Ferryhouse campus. The assessment conducted by the mechanical and electrical consultant required considerable time to complete, followed by the drafting of the preliminary report. Additionally, compiling the full scope of associated costs requires input from various specialist services. Tusla’s core priorities lie in the delivery of essential services for children and families, including child protection and welfare, educational welfare, psychological services, alternative care, family and community-based supports, and early years services. In this context, significant investment in a public sports complex and pool may not align fully with the organisation’s primary remit. As such, any decisions regarding the future of the facility will need to be carefully considered in light of the more detailed final report and cost analysis. Tusla is in the process of developing a capital plan to invest in Tusla services on the Ferryhouse campus. This investment will see the campus utilised by various services across Tusla, including, but not limited to, social work services, therapy services, regional services, workforce learning and development and separated children seeking international protection. Those are just some of the services. All these services will benefit the local community. Moving to the next steps, which I know are what the Deputies are interested in, further discussions with the local authority and the local sports partnerships will now be required on the future operating model and appropriate funding mechanisms given the scale of investment required and the ongoing operating costs associated with the operation of the swimming pool. Tusla welcomes suggestions from local authorities or sports partnerships to work together to find a way forward to the resolution of the closure of the swimming pool. Tusla will continue to engage with all stakeholders to find an appropriate solution for the long-term future of the swimming pool at Ferryhouse.

Sentiment score: 0.09

All I can say is what I said in response to the Deputies earlier, which is that further discussions will be required on the future operating model. I cannot say more than that. The appropriate funding mechanisms will have to include the local authority and local sports partnerships given the scale of the investment required and, as the Deputies are aware, the ongoing costs of operating a swimming pool. The Deputies asked about a report. The report received by Tusla, which was from the mechanical and electrical consultant, just includes an initial estimate of the associated costs of the works that are needed. Tusla requires a detailed breakdown and prioritisation of the works that are required. It regrets the need to close the facility to members of the public but awaiting more details of costs, it is not in a position to provide further information regarding the future of the complex. The Minister emphasises that the core priorities of investment for Tusla lie in the delivery of services that are essential to meet Tusla's functions, including child protection and welfare, educational welfare, psychological services, alternative care, family and community-based supports and early years services. In this context, significant investment in a public sports complex and pool may not align fully with the organisation's primary remit and, as such, any decisions regarding the future of the facility will have to be carefully considered in light of the final report and cost analysis. The Minister again stresses that further discussions will be required on the future operating model and appropriate funding mechanism with the local authority and sports partnerships given the scale of the investment required and the ongoing costs associated with the operation of the swimming pool. Tusla welcomes suggestions from the local authority or sports partnerships to work together to find a way forward to resolve the need to close the swimming pool.

Sentiment score: 0.11

On behalf of the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health, who regrets not being able to be in the Chamber this evening, I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. I will pass on his comments to the Minister of State. I fully accept that he comes from a place of care. That is very clear from what he said, especially when he powerfully articulated the specific issues relating to men who take their own lives. Each death by suicide is a profound tragedy that has a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities. It represents the heartbreaking loss of a life but also the loss of that person’s unique potential, dreams and what their life could have been. The ripple effects are deeply felt by families, friends and entire communities, leaving lasting pain and grief. One death by suicide is one too many and, as the Deputy said, it is a reminder of the urgent need for compassion, connection and support. This is why suicide and self-harm reduction are a priority for the Minister of State, Deputy Butler, and the Government as a whole. The Minister of State recently brought a memo to the Cabinet to update the Government on our work to improve suicide prevention in Ireland in terms of access to services but also work on our new suicide reduction policy. She updated Government colleagues on the fact that suicide rates are declining in Ireland and that between 2000 and 2021, the last year for which we have official figures, the rate declined by over 25%. Preliminary figures record 302 deaths by suicide in 2023, the lowest preliminary figure in over 20 years, but, as the Deputy said, one death by suicide is one too many. We also need to be aware that there is sometimes a significant time lag in reporting on deaths by suicide. Numbers can be revised upwards, so I would not like to give a false impression of what the numbers are. There is progress, but the Government and the Minister of State recognise we have so much more to do. Work to enhance services nationwide has taken place through Connecting for Life, our national suicide reduction strategy, and there have been sustained increases in investments in services. The Minister of State funds the National Office for Suicide Prevention, the budget of which has tripled from €5 million in 2012 to almost €15 million in 2025. Across Ireland, a wide range of HSE-funded organisations are working to support people to overcome suicidal crises. The Minister of State recently increased funding for suicide crisis counselling through Pieta House to the national suicide bereavement liaison service, to the "text about it" service, which acts as a safety net for young people, and to the national Traveller counselling service. There are dedicated resource officers for suicide prevention in each of the health regions promoting and co-ordinating suicide prevention initiatives in their local areas. The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, is working with the Department of Health and the HSE to expand alternative care pathways and therapeutic environments for people presenting to emergency departments in mental health crisis because she believes emergency departments are not an appropriate environment for people in a mental health crisis. She is working to prioritise securing additional funding to continue their expansion. These alternatives are helping to shift supports for those in crisis into their communities. This is primarily through the roll out of a network of crisis resolution teams. I will expand on that in a moment.

Sentiment score: -0.35

I really appreciate the Deputy’s considered and genuine comments on this. I mentioned the network of crisis resolution teams. These are teams of mental health professionals who work out of hours to meet people in mental health crisis and provide rapid assessment and intensive intervention in the community in calm environments known as solace cafés. Connecting for Life, our national suicide reduction strategy, came to an end at the end of 2024. Work on Ireland’s new suicide reduction policy is being swiftly progressed by the Department and an extensive public consultation was recently completed. I have heard what the Deputy said. The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, has said that making sure our policies are informed by lived and living experience is really important. The consultation I spoke about had a huge response, almost 1,900, to an online survey and hundreds of people went online and had in-person consultations to share their stories. I hear very clearly what the Deputy says when he speaks of the risks especially for young men. In that context, it is not quite the same but related, the Minister of State will also visit Exchange House, the Irish National Traveller Service, tomorrow morning to listen to the experiences of young Travellers in relation to mental health and suicide. Earlier I mentioned that I visited Tipperary ETB yesterday. When I was leaving, I was given three books. All three were written by Travellers in one way or another. One in particular was about the experience of young Traveller men and suicide. It was a book of poetry and I read it on my way back. It was one of the most powerful things I have read in a long time because it talked about the raw pain and the shocking impact of suicide in all communities but in this case especially in the Traveller community. She was especially referring to young men.

Sentiment score: -0.15